TOKYO (Reuters) – High levels of E.coli bacteria forced Tokyo officials to cancel the swimming segment of Saturday’s Paratriathlon World Cup, raising concerns about next year’s Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Water quality tests at Odaiba Marine Park found fecal bacteria levels far exceeded accepted limits, organizers said, forcing them to pull the plug on the swimming events.
The change was the latest to highlight problems that could arise during next year’s Games due to Tokyo’s sweltering summer temperatures.
Soaring temperatures have killed dozens of people across Japan since late July, highlighting the possible health threat to athletes and fans. Next year’s Summer Olympics will be held between July 24-Aug. 9, followed by the Paralympics on Aug. 25-Sept. 6.
After Saturday’s course format was changed to a duathlon, British Joseph Townsend, a former Royal Marine Commando, won the men’s race for wheelchair athletes. Japan’s Wakako Tsuchida won the women’s…
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